Giuliani speaks at Syracuse fundraiser

Two presidential candidates have visited Central New York inside of two weeks.

The second, former New York City mayor, Rudy Giuliani, headlined a fundraiser luncheon Tuesday for Rep. James Walsh, the Republican Congressman now in his 10th term.

On May 14, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-NY, attended a presidential campaign fundraiser at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes.

The Republicans ought to carry New York in the next presidential election, Giuliani said before entering the fundraiser in the OnCenter Convention Center main ballroom.

"We have to give ourselves a good chance to carry (New York) if we want to win in 2008," Giuliani said.

He believes he can provide that opportunity, he said. During his speech, Giuliani said Walsh is an asset for Syracuse and the state. He highlighted Walsh's role in securing funds to rebuild lower Manhattan after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

The noon fundraiser had brought in $150,000 as of Tuesday afternoon. Organizers expected that total to climb to $200,000 once all money was in and tallied, said Brain Baluta, a Walsh spokesman. Those who attended the luncheon paid $250 each. People who paid $2,300 were invited to a VIP reception before lunch.

During his speech, Walsh discussed his campaign for reelection. Walsh said his job is all about patience and persistence, adding that seniority "doesn't hurt." The Congressman who after college served in Nepal with the Peace Corps, told listeners why he wants to keep his seat in Congress.

"I went to Nepal to save the world. I went to Washington to help my community," he said.

Walsh also praised Giuliani's leadership, saying the former mayor proved himself as a capable leader by transforming New York City. Some call the job of the mayor of New York City the second hardest job in the country, Walsh said.

"He's done that job," Walsh said. "And he can do the first."

Giuliani spoke about the issues he believes are most important to the United States and the Republican Party. Giuliani said framed the issues as one, staying on the offense against terrorism, and two, staying on the offense with regard to the economy.

Giuliani was scheduled to travel to events in Albany and Buffalo before making his way to New Hampshire today. He'll campaign hard to win big states such as New York, California and Florida while focusing on Iowa and New Hampshire, as well, Giuliani said in a post-event news conference.